Belong

You belong. Period.

“You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country.
You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to
the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us
all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building.”
Ephesians 2:19-20 (MSG)

Many of us spend our whole lives trying to figure out where and how and with whom. Who can we trust? Where do we fit? What is our purpose? But right now, at this very moment, you belong. There’s no one else like you on this planet. Nobody else can do what you do. God made you uniquely, and there’s a specific part of you that’s unlike anything else in all of creation. God made you the way you are, and He wants you to step into a relationship with Him. Only you can love God the way you do. And only you can contribute your unique gift mix and perspective. The Church is a place to go and be encouraged in this truth. We are many parts of the same body, and we each have a specific function and role to play. The Church needs you, and God wants you.

“Worthy now. Not if. Not when. We are worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” — Brene Brown

So stop looking for the perfect place or the ideal time to belong to something. God meets us in our weakness and brokenness when we give Him our willingness to grow and a simple “yes” to move forward. When we do, we find ourselves surrounded by other like-minded people who are pushing on to the hope of wholeness, healing, and authentic community.

“Stop looking for the perfect Church. It does not exist. Even if it did exist, the moment you or I joined it, it would no longer be perfect.” — Nicky Gumbel

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he
who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together,
as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV)

Go ahead. Commit to God’s way of developing you, through His people – The Church. You’ll be glad you did. Because we need each other, and we belong together.